YONG PENG: The sacking and suspension of Umno leaders including former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin will be a huge responsibility for the party's leaders to manage, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

He said the purging of Umno leaders late Friday (Jan 27) night might also come as a shock to many.

“I think many are shocked and saddened by the decision that came last night.

“It will be a huge responsibility for the party leaders to manage the perception of the party members as well as the rakyat in general.

“In Johor, (the state government) will continue focusing on developing Johor with a united Bangsa Johor spirit towards 2030,” he told the media when met at the Johor-level Chinese New Year celebration at the Yong Peng Che Ann Khor Moral Uplifting Society here on Saturday (Jan 28).

Onn Hafiz declined to comment further on the issue as he was rushing off to Mersing for an event with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president, happening later on Saturday.

Almost 50 Umno leaders were either sacked or suspended for going against the party including standing as independents during the recent general election.

Former health minister Khairy was among those sacked following a decision taken by the supreme council meeting on Friday night.

Simpang Renggam MP Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad was dropped as the Johor Umno liaison committee chairman and replaced by Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also Kota Tinggi MP.

The Umno members who were suspended from the party for six years were Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Maulizan Bujang, Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Sharif and Shahril Hamdan.